On Language

This statement is seemingly benign to the average person: “The decision may entice more states to enforce similar laws as they seek ways to generate more revenue. States lost an estimated $23 billion in 2012 as a result of not being able to collect sales tax revenue on remote sales.” When written with a proper understanding of statism, it’s not so benign: “The decision may entice more criminal organizations to enforce similar decrees as they seek ways to generate more revenue. Criminals lost an estimated $23 billion in 2012 as a result of not being able to steal revenue on remote sales.” This is from Reuter’s reporting of the Amazon tax court fight, where the local criminal organization is trying to steal revenue from Amazon customers in New York City. Let’s try to call a spade a spade, shall we? And that’s today’s two cents.